Woman arrested for killing at cemetery

A woman was arrested yesterday for allegedly murdering a 48-year-old bus terminal washboy who was found strangled at his makeshift “apartment” in the Tugatog Public Cemetery in Caloocan City.

Chief Inspector Romeo Odrada, city police investigation chief, identified the suspect as Michelle Castro, 29, a resident of Tonsuya, Malabon City.

The victim was identified as Bayani Beltran, a native of Sta. Maria, Macabebe, Pampanga and resident of sitio 6, Barangay Catmon.

Castro was tagged as the principal suspect after a witness saw Castro rushing out of Beltran’s apartment shortly before he was found hanging from the ceiling, with his feet touching the floor.

Tied around his neck was a blue handkerchief that witnesses said was Castro’s.

Police also recovered a pair of slippers that reportedly belonged to Castro.

The killing appeared prompted by an undetermined amount of money Castro overheard Beltran was getting from a friend that day.

Senior Police Officer 1 Ferdinand Espiritu  said Castro was a regular at the city police jail, booked for many petty crimes.

Murder charges have been filed before Assistant City Prosecutor Rennel Evangelista, who recommended no bail for Castro.      – Jerry Botial